January 23, 2012

Simple Playtime: Bed Sheets

After a recent "photo shoot," my children spent so long playing with the bed sheet that I determined I needed to bring out a sheet occasionally just for play. (They always have access to blankets, but the white sheet was more enticing.) Below are just a few ideas for bed sheet play to get your child's creative juices flowing.

Tent

One of the simplest joys from childhood might be making a tent in a living room with a sheet and hiding out all day. Don't forget story time in the tent! Or the joy of giggling with your siblings. Whether the sheet is draped over kitchen chairs or larger furniture, a tent is sure to be a hit!

Parachute

Create the same fun of parachute play at home using a bed sheet (or blanket). If you have only one child, use a baby or crib sized blanket. Three people (one being an adult) can handle a full size bed sheet! Bounce a stuffed animal "friend" or ball on the parachute. Play big kid peek-a-boo. Consider these other ideas for parachute play, too.

Bride

With no encouragement, my daughter became this bride with our white sheet.

Baby

A bed sheet is large enough to help older children play "baby." Children can swaddle one another and take turns caring for one another.

Monster

It is amazing the monster sounds that can come from a bed sheet-especially when it is a double-headed monster!

Nap Time

And when the children are tired from all of the bed sheet play time, have a bit of rest...or pretend to.

Though much of this bed sheet play can be done without parents, it is truly just plain FUN to experience it with your child.

13 comments:

This reminds me of something that I saw on another blog...play silks. They are a bit smaller than a bed sheet but inspire the same kind of imagination. I had always wanted to make some, but am now thinking that using a bed sheet would be much easier. :)

Ahem, I would like to point out that you didn't announce it's being public, and so I didn't get a chance to come over and follow you. I had to find out from Reading to Know when she announced her new blog (is that the new thing now?). Poor me, poor me :)

So sweet - a bride! My boys love things that throw - outside - they'd like something they could parachute - but for indoor? I'd be scared what a house full of boys could do - like hang it from the bannister and shimmy down it! LOL

I love pulling out the bedsheets and letting my son play. Reminds me of my childhood. It's amazing to see their imagination go wild with something so simple. Thanks for getting the creativity flowing again. It's suppose to rain the next few days, so I think it's time to pull out the sheets :)